The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) has launched an investigation after two of its personnel were identified as part of the security detail of Representative Paolo 'Pulong' Duterte during an alleged assault incident inside a bar in Davao City.
This comes after a viral CCTV video showed that Duterte was accompanied by security personnel, identified as two police officers and two members of the Philippine Air Force, according to information from the Davao City Police.
Col. Xerxes Trinidad, chief of the AFP Public Affairs Office, confirmed that the deployment of military personnel to serve as security for Duterte had the approval of the Commission on Elections (COMELEC).
Furthermore, the AFP stated that it will coordinate with the Philippine National Police (PNP) to confirm the identities of the security personnel present during the incident.
PNP Chief PGen. Rommel Francisco Marbil previously ordered the dismissal of the two police officers—who were found to be absent without official leave (AWOL) and part of Duterte's security detail—as well as their commanding officers in Davao City.
Davao City 1st District Representative Duterte is facing a complaint for physical injuries and grave threats, filed by a Davao City-based businessman before the Department of Justice (DOJ).
In his sworn statement, the complainant alleged that the incident took place on February 23 at a bar in Davao City, where Duterte allegedly threatened him with a knife, headbutted him, and subjected him to other forms of physical assault.
